I think this has been one of the most heated election seasons by far. With the uniquness of the presidetial candidates and all of the campaign and propostion ads that infiltrate our lives (through tv, radio, email, news commentaries, campaign signs on the street, etc...) this has been an interesting (and in many ways dishearetning) season to say the least.
I've heard lots of coversations and arguments, watched too many campaign commercials and read too many inappropriate email and Facebook comments/debates.
I voted absentee so my vote has been cast. I have lots of friends whose political ideas and convictions fall ALL over the board. I didn't vote soley in one direction (Rebuplican or Democrat) but rather, I looked at both sides, prayed (a lot) and voted based upon as much truth as I could find.
Some would be appalled at what/who I voted for. And that's okay. I don't claim to know it all but I do know that I refuse to let how I voted be a dividing force or factor in relationships. Period.
At the end of the day, I know this: God is soverign and He is not surprised by what has happened or what will happen.
He see. He knows. He understands.
I do not see all. I do not know all. I do not understand all.
I really feel that how one lives and treats people on Novemeber 3rd and 5th is more important then how one votes on November 4th...
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
25 things to do before I'm 25
In light of my recent birthday resulting in me turning 24...the start of my "mid-twenties" I decided to make a list of 25 things I want to do in the next 364 days. Some of these things I've done before, but I put them down because I want to be sure to do them again. Here we go...
1. Be in a graduate program and on my way to getting a MS in Counseling.
2. Visit Boston
3. Go sky diving
4. Read More
5. Visit my brother and go to a Dodger game with him
6. Visit Dave and Heather in Oregon
7. Open a Roth IRA
8. Go camping with my dad
9. Go camping with Jen and Derek again :)
10. Sing kareoke with Jen
11. Set Dani and Mallorie up on a blind date
12. Visit another country
13. Host a formal dinner party (with Jen of course...I wouldn't be foolish enough to try that on my own)
14. Learn a choreographed dance
15. Turn off my cell phone for a day
16. Learn how to make my Grandma's chicken noodle soup
17. Take my mom on a surprise trip
18. Go out on a date on Valentine's Day
19. Sing really loud in the car
20. Laugh so hard I cry
21. Drink less diet pepsi
22. Make a pie from scratch
23. Write more
24. Listen more
25. Love more...
1. Be in a graduate program and on my way to getting a MS in Counseling.
2. Visit Boston
3. Go sky diving
4. Read More
5. Visit my brother and go to a Dodger game with him
6. Visit Dave and Heather in Oregon
7. Open a Roth IRA
8. Go camping with my dad
9. Go camping with Jen and Derek again :)
10. Sing kareoke with Jen
11. Set Dani and Mallorie up on a blind date
12. Visit another country
13. Host a formal dinner party (with Jen of course...I wouldn't be foolish enough to try that on my own)
14. Learn a choreographed dance
15. Turn off my cell phone for a day
16. Learn how to make my Grandma's chicken noodle soup
17. Take my mom on a surprise trip
18. Go out on a date on Valentine's Day
19. Sing really loud in the car
20. Laugh so hard I cry
21. Drink less diet pepsi
22. Make a pie from scratch
23. Write more
24. Listen more
25. Love more...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Comfortable Pain
A little excerpt from my weekly writings to women on campus...not the whole thing this time, but a piece of it...
"But there is hope in the midst of our sin. There is hope when we slip and fall in life. And often when we slip up, we fall and we fall hard. But Jesus is in the business of restoring us. Restoring us back to Him and back to one another. We are imperfect people by nature—we are going to mess up. Although no matter how many times we fall, Jesus extends grace to us and continues to pursue us in the midst of our messiness.
The process of getting up might be painful—we may have to change things or habits in our life that we’re comfortable in. As humans, we don’t like pain and we seek comfort, so although it may seem strange, there is sometimes comfort associated with pain. Even though something might be painful, at least the pain is familiar. Think about it…how many times have you continued a habit or a relationship not because you necessarily liked what it did or thought it was best, but simply because it was what you were used to—it was familiar…it was comfortable…
Jesus is the only one who can bring true healing and hope to situations that seem hopeless. In the midst of our pain (whether we’re comfortable in it or not) He desires to do a work in us where He restores us back to Him and relentlessly pursues us so that we may experience life and life abundantly in Him …"
I really enjoy writing these, because I feel that the Lord speaks to me through them too... I'm grateful that Jesus is in the business of restoring people back to Him...restoring me...restoring you...and He doesn't give up on us...ever...
"But there is hope in the midst of our sin. There is hope when we slip and fall in life. And often when we slip up, we fall and we fall hard. But Jesus is in the business of restoring us. Restoring us back to Him and back to one another. We are imperfect people by nature—we are going to mess up. Although no matter how many times we fall, Jesus extends grace to us and continues to pursue us in the midst of our messiness.
The process of getting up might be painful—we may have to change things or habits in our life that we’re comfortable in. As humans, we don’t like pain and we seek comfort, so although it may seem strange, there is sometimes comfort associated with pain. Even though something might be painful, at least the pain is familiar. Think about it…how many times have you continued a habit or a relationship not because you necessarily liked what it did or thought it was best, but simply because it was what you were used to—it was familiar…it was comfortable…
Jesus is the only one who can bring true healing and hope to situations that seem hopeless. In the midst of our pain (whether we’re comfortable in it or not) He desires to do a work in us where He restores us back to Him and relentlessly pursues us so that we may experience life and life abundantly in Him …"
I really enjoy writing these, because I feel that the Lord speaks to me through them too... I'm grateful that Jesus is in the business of restoring people back to Him...restoring me...restoring you...and He doesn't give up on us...ever...
Saturday, October 18, 2008
"He is worthy of my praise – even in the midst of intense grief..."
I can only hope if I was in their situation, my faith would remain as strong as their's... This is what my cousin Dave posted on his blog...
"It is moments like this that truly cause you to reflect on your faith.
Thursday morning Melissa and I found out we lost our daughter. 6 weeks from her entering the world and we find out that her life has ended. We are devastated. The thought of holding her, enjoying her smile and laugh, discovering her personality and the ways God gifted her are no longer possible. Instead we are left with tons of questions, many of which I do not think we will ever have satisfactorily answered.
The doctor cannot tell us why she died. It probably has something to with the cord. He did say it was nothing Melissa did or experienced. He also said 1 in 400 people go through this, we are part of the 1. On Tuesday, he will induce labor and Melissa will spend one night in the hospital in New Albany, MS. The doctor will run a few test to try and determine what happened in the womb. We are tentatively planning a grave side service Thursday morning in Pontotoc, MS.
Several people have said they want to do something but don’t know what. I’d like to share a few things with anyone interested. Please know that this is difficult. Not just for us but for anyone trying to express how they feel. If you don’t know what to say, that is ok. A hug in silence is meaningful. This also will not be something we (we being anyone affected by this) will deal with in a week. It will take time to work through the emotions and questions we have. Thank you in advance for the love, encouragement and patience you will provide in those times. Prayer is a great thing. If nothing else please pray for us, our families, our friends, the youth group we are so privileged to minister to and others who are affected by this.
I could type all day about how we feel or the questions we have I share this and then head back to be with family. Right now we are like Job. We are unsure of why this has happened. We have questions for God. But I know that God is bigger than this and for whatever reason we are going through this, He is worthy of my praise – even in the midst of intense grief. I know that my little girl is before Him right now, praising Him. That is comforting in some small way. God is giving us peace and I look forward to the day we can rise from mourning and grieving."
"It is moments like this that truly cause you to reflect on your faith.
Thursday morning Melissa and I found out we lost our daughter. 6 weeks from her entering the world and we find out that her life has ended. We are devastated. The thought of holding her, enjoying her smile and laugh, discovering her personality and the ways God gifted her are no longer possible. Instead we are left with tons of questions, many of which I do not think we will ever have satisfactorily answered.
The doctor cannot tell us why she died. It probably has something to with the cord. He did say it was nothing Melissa did or experienced. He also said 1 in 400 people go through this, we are part of the 1. On Tuesday, he will induce labor and Melissa will spend one night in the hospital in New Albany, MS. The doctor will run a few test to try and determine what happened in the womb. We are tentatively planning a grave side service Thursday morning in Pontotoc, MS.
Several people have said they want to do something but don’t know what. I’d like to share a few things with anyone interested. Please know that this is difficult. Not just for us but for anyone trying to express how they feel. If you don’t know what to say, that is ok. A hug in silence is meaningful. This also will not be something we (we being anyone affected by this) will deal with in a week. It will take time to work through the emotions and questions we have. Thank you in advance for the love, encouragement and patience you will provide in those times. Prayer is a great thing. If nothing else please pray for us, our families, our friends, the youth group we are so privileged to minister to and others who are affected by this.
I could type all day about how we feel or the questions we have I share this and then head back to be with family. Right now we are like Job. We are unsure of why this has happened. We have questions for God. But I know that God is bigger than this and for whatever reason we are going through this, He is worthy of my praise – even in the midst of intense grief. I know that my little girl is before Him right now, praising Him. That is comforting in some small way. God is giving us peace and I look forward to the day we can rise from mourning and grieving."
It's Always Exciting...
when a friend gets engaged. Well, it happened again tonight...This beautiful woman is officially off the market...sorry fellas. I received a text tonight around 10pm..."MORGAN PROPOSED...!" Not only is Mariana a dear friend but she was also my college roommate for two years... Congrats Morgan and Mariana! I'm excited for what the Lord has in store for you guys!
Friday, October 17, 2008
When There Are No Words...
My cousin Dave and his wife Melissa found out today, that after being pregnant for 8 months, they lost the baby. There aren't full details yet of what happened, but they went into the doctor for a routine check up and when they did the ultrasound, the baby's heartbeat (a little girl) was no longer able to be found.
It's moments and times like these when life seems to stop and we are reminded of how precious life is. I have absoultely no idea what it would be like to carry a baby for 8 months, and then learn that it was no longer alive...yet still inside of me. Absolutely no idea. They will induce labor on Tuesday, and will have a graveside service next week.
They waited and tried for so long to have a baby and this was their first one... There really are no words.
So we pray. And mourn. And pray. And trust. God is in the midst of it all and it's only in Him can we find comfort in times when there are no words.
Prayers for Dave and Melissa and the family are appreciated. Praise God for the comfort that He and only He can bring.
It's moments and times like these when life seems to stop and we are reminded of how precious life is. I have absoultely no idea what it would be like to carry a baby for 8 months, and then learn that it was no longer alive...yet still inside of me. Absolutely no idea. They will induce labor on Tuesday, and will have a graveside service next week.
They waited and tried for so long to have a baby and this was their first one... There really are no words.
So we pray. And mourn. And pray. And trust. God is in the midst of it all and it's only in Him can we find comfort in times when there are no words.
Prayers for Dave and Melissa and the family are appreciated. Praise God for the comfort that He and only He can bring.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
They love me...
Spiders that is. A little guy like this one decided to crawl up next to me on my couch today. I was sitting on my couch, with my laptop, when I looked over to find this little guy crawling next to me...
They might love me...but I really don't love them.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
10 Things Everyone Should Keep In Their Car...
1. Napkins
2. Blanket
2. Flashlight
4. Tweezers (trust me...)
5. Good tunes
6. Water bottle
7. Ear piece for cell phone
8. Pen
9. Note pad
10. Spare change
What other random things do you keep in YOUR car?
2. Blanket
2. Flashlight
4. Tweezers (trust me...)
5. Good tunes
6. Water bottle
7. Ear piece for cell phone
8. Pen
9. Note pad
10. Spare change
What other random things do you keep in YOUR car?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Say What? Selah...
Selah.
Have you heard this word before? Selah (pronounced: ce-lah) is a Hebrew word used in scripture and often found in the book of Psalms that literally translates “to stop and listen”.
This weekend I went out of town and had the opportunity to see a number of good friends. My journey started at I left Fresno and drove to Turlock, CA. Turlock is home to my friend Steph and home to my friends Courtney and her husband, Drew. I then made my way up to the bay area to see a couple of other really good friends. I had a total of about 6 hours round trip in the car by myself, which is when this word “selah” came to my mind.
As I drove I started thinking a lot about all sorts of stuff. Have you ever noticed that when you start driving on a road trip, the open road ahead of you helps to clear your mind some too? Well, my mind was cleared and I felt I had room to think...And think I did! It didn’t take too long before I started thinking about lots and lots of different things. Things to do, people to call, emails to write, places to go, things to buy, chores to be done, and then I started thinking about future stuff, money stuff, and all that fun “adult” stuff. And then I remembered: Selah.
I thought to myself, “Just mentally stop for a moment Becky.” In the midst of my thinking the Lord reminded me that though I have an ongoing agenda in my head, His agenda trumps my agenda any day. I can make plans and choose things and make choices, but in the end I know that God’s plans are far greater then my own…far, far greater…one more reason to “selah”.
To stop and listen—it sounds simple, but if we’re honest, it can be hard. This morning I sat on my couch with my morning coffee in my hand and took time to “selah”. I prayed. I listened. I asked and pondered while I talked to God. It’s in those moments where I really feel my mind begins to get cleared and I begin to gain perspective on how God is at work and how I’m (hopefully) a part of what He’s doing. Road trips can do wonders to help clear the mind, but my mind felt even more clear when I took time to stop and listen.
I often find that it’s when I feel I have so much to do and I don’t have time to stop and listen; it’s in those times that I really need it the most.
Life is busy... There will always be things to do, people to see and places to go. Many of us don’t know how to not be busy. I encourage you to take time in the midst of busyness to truly “selah”. Stop. Listen. You’ll be surprised at what a difference it will make…
Have you heard this word before? Selah (pronounced: ce-lah) is a Hebrew word used in scripture and often found in the book of Psalms that literally translates “to stop and listen”.
This weekend I went out of town and had the opportunity to see a number of good friends. My journey started at I left Fresno and drove to Turlock, CA. Turlock is home to my friend Steph and home to my friends Courtney and her husband, Drew. I then made my way up to the bay area to see a couple of other really good friends. I had a total of about 6 hours round trip in the car by myself, which is when this word “selah” came to my mind.
As I drove I started thinking a lot about all sorts of stuff. Have you ever noticed that when you start driving on a road trip, the open road ahead of you helps to clear your mind some too? Well, my mind was cleared and I felt I had room to think...And think I did! It didn’t take too long before I started thinking about lots and lots of different things. Things to do, people to call, emails to write, places to go, things to buy, chores to be done, and then I started thinking about future stuff, money stuff, and all that fun “adult” stuff. And then I remembered: Selah.
I thought to myself, “Just mentally stop for a moment Becky.” In the midst of my thinking the Lord reminded me that though I have an ongoing agenda in my head, His agenda trumps my agenda any day. I can make plans and choose things and make choices, but in the end I know that God’s plans are far greater then my own…far, far greater…one more reason to “selah”.
To stop and listen—it sounds simple, but if we’re honest, it can be hard. This morning I sat on my couch with my morning coffee in my hand and took time to “selah”. I prayed. I listened. I asked and pondered while I talked to God. It’s in those moments where I really feel my mind begins to get cleared and I begin to gain perspective on how God is at work and how I’m (hopefully) a part of what He’s doing. Road trips can do wonders to help clear the mind, but my mind felt even more clear when I took time to stop and listen.
I often find that it’s when I feel I have so much to do and I don’t have time to stop and listen; it’s in those times that I really need it the most.
Life is busy... There will always be things to do, people to see and places to go. Many of us don’t know how to not be busy. I encourage you to take time in the midst of busyness to truly “selah”. Stop. Listen. You’ll be surprised at what a difference it will make…
Monday, October 13, 2008
Reason #13 why I love my job...
This was really funny and these ladies make me laugh. A lot. FYI: You have to log into Facebook to be able to get to this link.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Good Friends and Good Food...
This weekend I'm getting in my car and heading north and will be seeing a few good friends along the way. Here's the schedule of events...
Friday (yesterday):
Lunch at Dog House with Steph Ridgeway--always enjoyable and refreshing. And good food is always involved too :)
2:00pm - Got in the car and started on my way towards Turlock
3:30pm - Met up with Steph Merkner at Panera to enjoy a latte and catch up time with her. She's getting married next month so there is lots of fun stuff going on! Drew (her fiancee) called while we were hanging out so we decided to meet up with him for a while and hang out. He's a lot of fun so it was fun to get to see and hang out with both of them for a while.
6:00pm - Drove to Court and Drew's apartment where we hung out for a while, went and had dinner with another friend of theirs. We all came back to their apt to enjoy some pie and ice cream and catch up on life. I stayed the night in their guest room and will be up in the morning to make my way to San Francisco...
Saturday: I'm not sure of the exact times but here's the agenda...
--Meet up with my cousin Caroline (who is now a freshmen at USF) around noon to enjoy lunch and the afternoon together. Hopefully we'll make our way to H&M for some shopping... :)
--Meet up with Neen and Scott that evening for dinner and hanging out.
--Stay the night at Neen's place (where I'm sure we'll eat chocolate and read all sorts of magazines...or watch TLC :)
Sunday:
--Hang out in the bay area and eventually make my way back to Fresno!
It's a weekend full of good people and good food. Really, what could be better?
Friday (yesterday):
Lunch at Dog House with Steph Ridgeway--always enjoyable and refreshing. And good food is always involved too :)
2:00pm - Got in the car and started on my way towards Turlock
3:30pm - Met up with Steph Merkner at Panera to enjoy a latte and catch up time with her. She's getting married next month so there is lots of fun stuff going on! Drew (her fiancee) called while we were hanging out so we decided to meet up with him for a while and hang out. He's a lot of fun so it was fun to get to see and hang out with both of them for a while.
6:00pm - Drove to Court and Drew's apartment where we hung out for a while, went and had dinner with another friend of theirs. We all came back to their apt to enjoy some pie and ice cream and catch up on life. I stayed the night in their guest room and will be up in the morning to make my way to San Francisco...
Saturday: I'm not sure of the exact times but here's the agenda...
--Meet up with my cousin Caroline (who is now a freshmen at USF) around noon to enjoy lunch and the afternoon together. Hopefully we'll make our way to H&M for some shopping... :)
--Meet up with Neen and Scott that evening for dinner and hanging out.
--Stay the night at Neen's place (where I'm sure we'll eat chocolate and read all sorts of magazines...or watch TLC :)
Sunday:
--Hang out in the bay area and eventually make my way back to Fresno!
It's a weekend full of good people and good food. Really, what could be better?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
According to Dani and Mallorie...
This is the continued list of 15 more things I love. I would agree with MOST of them... :)
16. Mallorie
17. Dani
18. Funfetti Cupcakes
19. One Tree Hill
20. Family Dinner
21. Dani's Soccer Games
22. Ninja Reflex
23. Trampoline
24. Hanging out with Dani and Mallorie
25. Going over to Mallorie and Dani's house
26. Texting Dani and Mallorie
27. Calling Mallorie and Dani
28. Rubbing Dani and Mallorie's Arm
29. Sitting on the same couch as Dani and Mallorie
30. Eating Desserts
16. Mallorie
17. Dani
18. Funfetti Cupcakes
19. One Tree Hill
20. Family Dinner
21. Dani's Soccer Games
22. Ninja Reflex
23. Trampoline
24. Hanging out with Dani and Mallorie
25. Going over to Mallorie and Dani's house
26. Texting Dani and Mallorie
27. Calling Mallorie and Dani
28. Rubbing Dani and Mallorie's Arm
29. Sitting on the same couch as Dani and Mallorie
30. Eating Desserts
Sunday, October 5, 2008
15 Things I Love...
1. Cool fall weather
2. The smell of the air after it rains
3. My DVR
4. "Jon and Kate Plus 8"
5. Starbuck's iced skinny vanilla latte
6. Diet Pepsi
7. Writing cards to people
8. Lazy Saturday days
9. Talking to j.lo
10. Fresh baked goods at Panera
11. Traveling (either by plane, train or automobile...it doesn't matter!)
12. Listening to music as I get ready in the morning
13. Clean sheets
14. Watching football
15. Turkey sandwiches
2. The smell of the air after it rains
3. My DVR
4. "Jon and Kate Plus 8"
5. Starbuck's iced skinny vanilla latte
6. Diet Pepsi
7. Writing cards to people
8. Lazy Saturday days
9. Talking to j.lo
10. Fresh baked goods at Panera
11. Traveling (either by plane, train or automobile...it doesn't matter!)
12. Listening to music as I get ready in the morning
13. Clean sheets
14. Watching football
15. Turkey sandwiches
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October is here!
I love October. Here's why...
1. I love the fall season! I love wearing sweatshirts and jeans.
2. Lots of birthdays...including my own.
3. The fair! It's here...The Fresno Fair is running October 1st-13th. You better believe I'm going this Saturday.
4. Race for the Cure - Race/Walk to support breast cancer research. (October 25th at Fresno State this year).
5. October signifies a changing from summer to fall (September is just a funky month that I would not classify as "fall" as it is still in the upper 90's here in Fresno...) And I always enjoy it when seasons change. Things just seem fresh and new and it's a reminder to me of how seasons of life change too.
Here's to October!!
1. I love the fall season! I love wearing sweatshirts and jeans.
2. Lots of birthdays...including my own.
3. The fair! It's here...The Fresno Fair is running October 1st-13th. You better believe I'm going this Saturday.
4. Race for the Cure - Race/Walk to support breast cancer research. (October 25th at Fresno State this year).
5. October signifies a changing from summer to fall (September is just a funky month that I would not classify as "fall" as it is still in the upper 90's here in Fresno...) And I always enjoy it when seasons change. Things just seem fresh and new and it's a reminder to me of how seasons of life change too.
Here's to October!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
